Reuters reports that waiters, taxi drivers and sales staff in the French capital all are notorious for being unapproachable or unable to speak foreign languages, say local tourism chiefs. That is why the regional tourism committee is now handing out a manual with guidelines on better etiquette. A booklet entitled "Do you speak Touriste?" contains greetings in eight languages and advice on the spending habits and cultural codes of different nationalities.

France is the world's top destination for foreign tourists, with Paris visited by 29 million people last year. However, the Paris chamber of commerce and the regional tourism committee have warned that growing competition from friendlier cities like London means Paris needs to work harder to attract visitors from emerging market countries.

Some 30,000 copies of the handbook on friendly service are being distributed to staff in tourist areas throughout Paris.